Political Consultations Between the Foreign Ministries of Kazakhstan and Kenya Held for the First Time in Astana

Political Consultations Between the Foreign Ministries of Kazakhstan and Kenya Held for the First Time in Astana

Astana, 2 September 2024 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted the first round of political consultations between Kazakhstan and Kenya, chaired by Rauan Zhumabek, Director of the Department of the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Eliphas Mugendi Barine, Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs of the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the consultations, the parties discussed in detail the current state and prospects for the development of political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. Particular attention was given to enhancing cooperation in trade, transport and logistics, the IT industry, and other sectors.

Zhumabek informed the Kenyan side of Kazakhstan's plans to expand its economic presence on the African continent in areas such as information and communication technologies, space services, and the supply of Kazakh products to Africa.

In this context, the parties emphasised the importance of the Kenyan port of Mombasa, which provides access to Eastern and inland Africa.

The Kenyan delegation was also briefed on Kazakhstan's current domestic political and socio-economic developments and the ongoing reforms in the country, including the main points of the annual Address by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the people of Kazakhstan, delivered on 2 September this year.

Additionally, diplomats from both countries exchanged views on current international and regional issues, reaffirming their commitment to close cooperation within multilateral frameworks.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to continue strengthening bilateral relations between the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Kenya, including by expanding the relevant bilateral legal framework. 

The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Kenya amounted to 41.1 million US dollars in 2023, and 20.3 million US dollars in the first six months of 2024.